Curcumin & Krill Oil: A Powerful, Healthy Combination
6 minute read
Metabolic syndrome is a collection of serious health problems that include hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and abdominal obesity. Each of these increases your risk of cardiovascular disease and even death.
Recent reports show that 35 percent of all Americans have metabolic syndrome, and the rising trend seems to have no plans to slow down. Metabolic syndrome has become one of the biggest health threats we face.
With prompt treatment, the adverse cardiovascular problems and increased risk of mortality can be avoided. As with every health problem, there is a pharmaceutical approach to treatment, but this is not favored nor is it always effective.
The drugs that are commonly prescribed for metabolic syndrome include blood pressure medications and cholesterol-lowering statins. Both types of treatment have been linked to adverse side effects and do nothing to resolve the root issues of metabolic syndrome.
With this condition becoming a larger threat every day and little on the menu for treatment, research has been exploring more natural alternatives as well as ways to address the problem at its source. Recent research has found that two natural and common compounds have what it takes to tackle the condition at its roots: curcumin and krill oil.
This novel treatment plan gets directly to the underlying causes and treats patients without causing dangerous and unpleasant side effects.
The Underlying Cause
At the root of all cases of metabolic syndrome lies inflammation. Chronic inflammation occurs when the body’s natural inflammatory response goes into overdrive and continues to act long after it is no longer needed.
The presence of inflammation in the absence of a pathogen or foreign body can be very damaging to your cells and tissues. Inflammation can occur as a result of poor diet, autoimmune disorders, a lack of exercise, and exposure to pathogens.
The important thing to remember is to address it before it gets worse.
Your body has pro-inflammatory cytokines that mediate the effects of inflammation. When the levels of these are inappropriately elevated, they cause physiological responses that promote metabolic syndrome.
You see increased cholesterol levels, hyperglycemia, and increased triglyceride synthesis. Knowing this tells us that to help those with metabolic syndrome we do not need to treat the cholesterol or blood pressure, but rather the inflammation that is at the root of it all.
The Winning Combo
Curcumin, which is the main compound in the spice turmeric, as well as krill oil, are powerful anti-inflammatory agents. They also possess antioxidant properties, which makes them a double threat to chronic inflammation.
Turmeric has been used for centuries in the culinary world as well as for medicinal purposes in India and China. A recent discovery of its beneficial health properties has boosted its popularity among the Western culture. Curcumin is a key contender for fighting metabolic syndrome for many reasons:
♦ Lowers the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines
♦ Increases HDL (good) cholesterol levels and reduces hyperlipidemia
♦ Inhibits the nuclear factor-kappa B pathway
♦ Increases adiponectin and decreases leptin
♦ Blocks the formation of ROS (reactive oxygen species)
Inflammation is the common factor for other digestive troubles and diseases, including GERD, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and common heartburn. Curcumin stimulates the production of mucus, which protects the stomach lining from the damaging effects of inflammation.
| Related: Turmeric: The Natural Anti-Inflammatory |
Turmeric extracts have been used for centuries to support liver and digestive function because it increases bile flow into the intestines, which is essential for food breakdown. Curcumin supplements enhance liver detoxification and support healthy digestion, thereby helping to ward off metabolic syndrome.
Krill oil has long been used for boosting brain health and the immune system, krill oil is another strong candidate to beat metabolic syndrome. The key to its strength lies in the abundance of omega-3 fatty acids, which are powerful anti-inflammatory agents.
Omega-3 fatty acids activate PPAR-gamma, which reduces inflammation, inhibits the production and release of triglycerides, and stimulates fatty acid oxidation.
Krill oil’s omega-3s lower blood pressure by reducing the levels of pro-inflammatory prostaglandins, which promote the coagulation of blood in the blood vessels (thrombosis).
They also inhibit the binding of angiotensin to its receptors. By interfering with this vasoconstrictor hormone, blood vessels are vasodilated, and blood pressure is reduced.
Finally, omega-3s modulate inflammatory signaling pathways so that pro-inflammatory cytokine levels are reduced. This prevents elevated blood glucose levels as well as high cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
There is evidence suggesting that inflammatory diseases, such as arthritis, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn's disease can be improved and even prevented with daily omega-3 supplements or intake.
Recently, the FDA even approved the inclusion of omega-3 supplements for infant formulas because it drastically improves the cognitive and visual development of children.
Curcumin provides powerful anti-inflammatory properties, and krill oil intervenes to support healthy blood glucose levels, blood lipid levels, and vascular health. The combined effects of curcumin and the omega-3 fatty acids in krill oil are a wonderful and natural alternative to the drugs currently used to treat metabolic syndrome.
The Bottom Line
Metabolic syndrome is not something to be taken lightly, but it also does not have to be a life sentence. If you or a loved one suffers from this condition, speak with your doctor about trying a curcumin and krill oil treatment plan.
These natural compounds go after the source of the problem: inflammation. This makes them more effective than current treatments and healthier for you overall. With the winning combination of curcumin and krill oil, you simply cannot lose.
